What is NAPLEX 2026?

You're going to have 6 hours to finish the test, so it's important to track how much time you've left while you're testing. If you do not finish the test, any questions unanswered will be scored incorrectly. So, if you are stumped, try not to waste so much time on a single question and make sure you provide an answer to all questions. However, don't rush as you won't be able to go back once you submit your answer.

What is Pre-NAPLEX?

Getting Started with the Naplex Exam

NAPLEX tests the applicant's knowledge of the pharmaceutical practice. It is only one aspect of the licensing process that is used by the pharmaceutical boards as part of their evaluation of the applicant's ability to practice as a pharmacist.

Pre-NAPLEX is the only NAPLEX practice exam designed and produced by NABP. Aspirants who take the Pre-NAPLEX can have a chance to preview the NAPLEX experience before the test day.

For ease and convenience, the Pre-NAPLEX is web-based so that it can be accessed from any device with access to the internet. Applicants may sit on the Pre-NAPLEX at any period of the day. The pre-NAPLEX comprises of 100 questions and costs $65 for each pre-NAPLEX attempt.

What is on the NAPLEX?

NAPLEX is a linear type test consisting of 250 multiple-choice questions. Out of 250, 200 questions will be used to determine the test score. The remaining 50 questions are used as sample questions and, therefore, do not affect the rating.

How long is the NAPLEX?

You will have about 6 hours to finish 250 questions on your computer. There are two available 10-minute breaks scheduled.

How is the NAPLEX scored?

The NAPLEX score is a scaled score, which means that your final score is neither a number-correct score nor a percentage-correct score, but rather an individual score based on factors like the number of items you answered correctly and the difficulty of the questions you were asked. The NAPLEX passing score is 75. The lowest possible score you can obtain is zero, and the maximum is 150.

Scores are generated for each area of the exam. Performance on all questions in each area will be used to determine a theta score for that section. Each score is then converted to a scaled score for reporting purposes. NAPLEX area scaled scores range from 6 to 18, with 6 being the lowest score to be obtained in either area and 18 being the highest score. Content area scores are given to applicants if they failed NAPLEX. The table below shows the total scaled score range and the average scores for each content area.

Only the overall scaled score is weighed when assessing the NAPLEX Pass/Fail status of the candidates. NABP will send your NAPLEX results to the pharmaceutical board at which you are seeking the license. The NABP will not provide the candidates with scores, and the results are not released at the testing center.

What is the pass NAPLEX rate?

Based on the National Aggregate First-Time Pass Rates for 2026, the average NAPLEX pass rate is 89.1%, with a standard deviation of 7.8%.

How to register for the NAPLEX exam?

Registration for the NAPLEX and scheduling your test date is a multi-step process. Firstly, contact the pharmaceutical board in the state where you want to be certified. The state board shall issue paperwork and guidance. Your eligibility for the exam will be decided by the state board and reported to the NABP. You will then be given an Authorization to Test, which has the following information:
       ● test authorization number
       ● expiration date
       ● testing window during which you can take the NAPLEX

Next, schedule your test through Sylvan Prometric. You need to have your Authorization for Test Information to schedule the test date.

● Online Scheduling - You can schedule an examination at a testing center through the Pearson VUE website at www.pearsonvue.com/nabp. Follow the steps on the website to set up a Pearson VUE Web account to choose your desired test place, time, and date.

● Scheduling By Phone - You can also arrange a test appointment by calling Pearson VUE Customer Service at 888/709-2679 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT). If you choose to schedule your appointment by phone, you will be required to verify your identity by indicating your last name, first name, middle name or middle initial, and suffixes, together with demographic data, and to confirm which NABP test you have been permitted to take. The Pearson VUE Customer Service Agent will look for the place nearest to the location you gave to your pharmacy board on your application, or if you have a preferred location, the agent will search for the availability of your appointment.

Note: Once your examination has been scheduled, you will get a confirmation email from Pearson Vue that includes specifics of your test appointment, directions to your designated testing site, and guidance and policies for the rescheduling and canceling of your review appointment.

How much is the NAPLEX?

The table below indicates the NAPLEX cost and other fees:

Naplex Study Book

NAPLEX Study Guide free and NAPLEX Study Tips

For several pharmacy students, NAPLEX is the final trial between them and their professions as pharmacists. Though it may seem daunting to look at all the material you've learned in pharmacy school to 1 test over the last few years, it's important to keep an eye on key learning points. Having an effective early study plan to improve your strong subjects and brush up on your weak ones will make a significant difference in overcoming this last challenge.

1. Measure your weaknesses and strengths. Find out your weak subjects. The easiest way to detect your                        weaknesses is through practice tests.
2. Practice simulations to improve your confidence.
3. Schedule additional time prior to the test date to check the weak points.
4. Perform the practice test under the actual conditions of the exam.
5. Purchase and complete the NABP Pre-NAPLEX test.
6. While studying the practice exams, make sure you know why your wrong answer choices were incorrect.

Here are the best NAPLEX Prep Books:

       1. RxPrep
       2. Comprehensive Pharmacy Review for NAPLEX
       3. The APhA Complete Review for Pharmacy
       4. McGraw-Hill's NAPLEX Review Guide
       5. PharmPrep: ASHP’s NAPLEX Review Book

Be sure you fully understand why you overlooked a question. Did you just forget something? Choose your answer too soon? Did you misinterpret the question? Miss the valuable hint in the question? Finally, did you want to repeat the same mistakes again and again? If that is the case, it is necessary to spend more time in those parts. Pass Naplex now!

Related Pharmacy Practice Tests

If you are preparing for a career in pharmacy, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:

Prepare for the ExCPT Test — the Exam for Certification of Pharmacy Technicians, an alternative pharmacy tech certification.

Prepare for the MPJE - Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination — the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination covering federal and state pharmacy law.

Prepare for the CPJE - California Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam — the California Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam for pharmacists seeking California licensure.